TV Commercial Review
Memorable
Effective
Style
Heart or Humor
Execution
Good
How do you Bentley?
Bentley Motors recently released a new advertisement titled “How do you Bentley?” This 97-second spot invites viewers into a world of luxury and possibilities, showcasing the Bentley lifestyle and highlighting the brand’s exclusivity and aspirational appeal.
Plot and Execution
The ad opens with a montage of sleek Bentley cars cruising through picturesque landscapes and sophisticated urban settings. It features a diverse cast of Bentley owners engaging in various activities that embody luxury and refinement, from leisurely drives along scenic coastal roads to attending high-profile events. The narrative is woven with a voiceover that poses the central question: “How do you, Bentley?” This rhetorical query invites viewers to imagine their own experiences with the brand, suggesting that owning a Bentley is more than just possessing a car—it’s about embracing a lifestyle.

Strengths
- Brand Positioning: The ad reinforces Bentley‘s image as a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and success. It effectively communicates that owning a Bentley is a statement of personal achievement and taste.
- Visual Appeal: High production values are evident throughout the ad. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the elegance and power of Bentley vehicles against various breathtaking backdrops. This visual richness enhances the brand’s luxurious appeal.
- Aspirational Tone: The ad’s tone is aspirational, designed to resonate with viewers’ desires for a high-status lifestyle. Showcasing different facets of the Bentley experience broadens the brand’s appeal to many potential customers.
- Engagement: Using the hashtag #HDYB and the invitation to find out more via a provided link encourages viewer engagement beyond the ad itself, driving traffic to Bentley’s website and social media platforms.
Weaknesses
- Lack of Specifics: While the ad excels in creating a mood and aspirational narrative, it lacks specific information about the features and innovations of Bentley cars. Potential buyers seeking detailed insights into the vehicles might find this aspect lacking.
- Exclusivity: The ad’s focus on luxury and exclusivity might alienate some viewers who perceive the brand as unattainable. While this is a common strategy for luxury brands, it risks narrowing the audience to only those who can realistically afford a Bentley.
- Repetitiveness: The central question, “How do you Bentley?” is repeated throughout the ad. While this reinforces the message, it can be repetitive and might not provide new information or perspectives with each iteration.
Comparison to Other Luxury Auto Ads
Bentley’s ad emphasizes lifestyle and personal narrative over technical prowess compared to other luxury automotive advertisements, such as those by Rolls-Royce or Aston Martin. Rolls-Royce highlights bespoke craftsmanship and engineering excellence, while Aston Martin focuses on performance and heritage. Bentley’s approach is more holistic, blending elements of lifestyle, status, and the emotional appeal of the driving experience.
Conclusion
Overall, “How do you Bentley?” is a compelling and visually captivating advertisement that successfully promotes Bentley’s brand values of luxury and exclusivity. It creates an aspirational narrative that invites viewers to envision themselves as part of the Bentley lifestyle. However, the ad could benefit from incorporating more detailed information about the cars’ features and innovations to appeal to viewers seeking specific product knowledge.












